16 January 2010

A Finn likes boogie

I´m back! What a hectic start of the year! I´ve been working like a horse (or that´s how I feel!) and running back and forth with the fresh exchange students who come from all over the world. All my "children" are now settled down, safe and sound, and I get to sit down and exhale.

I´ve been thinking a lot about international differencies and stuff. It even was my topic for discussion in the Swedish dialoggroup. Though it does annoy me a little than Finnish stereotypes are still alive and kicking even if it´s already 2010! Most preconseptions I´ve heard about Finns are the same as they´ve propably always been: we are quiet and drink a lot.

Sigh.

Everyone can form their own opinions about the accuracy of this cliché. I don´t think the drinking part is ever going to change but atleast I hope Finns turn out to be more social and talkative than people expect. I could imagine that with the globalization and the growth in travelling even we Finns have learned the importancy of casual chatting. We´re not a nation living in the woods anymore.

Though there is also another side in this story. I´ve heard people saying that they actually like the Finnish coolness and charisma. We say what we mean. We don´t buzz around and go on about nonsense; instead we take concrete actions. What we might want to improve is chilling out, feeling some pride of ourselves and have a more open attitude towards strangers.

I´ve changed quite a bit as a person because of couchsurfing. It makes you become "a citizen of the world", widen your horizons and really get rid of stereotypes. Just pick the best qualities from differend nationalities and become a better person. If you STILL don´t know what I´m talking of, visit the site www.couchsurfing.com.

I had a great house warming party yesterday after which we went to Fontana Night Fever club night. Oh man, I´ve never heard September being played in a club without my request! Ha ha ha...

Talking of music. If you´re interested in relatively new/unknown Finnish music, here are some tips. Anssi 8000 and Maria Stereo are an interesting artist couple who play garage rock. Then there is Manna who I actually met on a flight from London to Helsinki. She sings pop in a very beautiful voice.

Other than Finnish music, I´m quite into The Fray´s song called Heartless. The music video is amazing. I also like Paloma Faith´s New York and her bird tattoo..!

Enjoy the winter, people. There´s something magical about its beauty and stillness.

01 January 2010

Swell...

Yesss!!!

The minute I received my salary, I booked a ticket to The Swell Season´s gig in Helsinki on the 20th of February! That´s my newly found favourite folk-rock band and if you´ve seen the movie Once you know who I´m talking about. (I haven´t seen the movie yet btw.) Check out their website and listen to their songs. Their music is really soulfull. And if someone wants to join me on the gig, lemme know !!

Oh, and have a good and eventfull new year!